The invitation-only event drew 20 dairy experts from universities and consulting firms across the U.S. and Vi-COR employees, all with extensive knowledge in the China dairy industry. Iowa Department of Economic Development and Mason City Chamber staffs were also present.

Mark Holt, Vi-COR's president and CEO, opened the summit acknowledging that China has to walk before it can run with regard to improving its dairy practices. The country needs to improve in a number of basic areas before it will become a viable market for U.S. dairy-related products and services. Holt said the first objective of the summit was to create a common understanding, by sharing personal experiences and knowledge, of the current China dairy industry. The second objective was to explore and recommend a potential model for dairy industry development that can be used as a resource for anyone in China interested in building a dairy. The summit's final objective was to establish a "think tank" of U.S. dairy experts from among those attending the summit willing to be a resource to China dairy producers wanting to improve milk quality.

With the Chinese government offering subsidies to encourage the building of dairies, summit attendees agreed it is imperative for distributors to take action to ensure that future dairies in China are following best practices. They recommended that distributors identify and partner with an existing dairy in China and implement quality standard operating procedures so it can serve as a model. "We want to help improve China's dairy industry," said Holt. "This initiative is in the best interest of China and its people and those who do business in China and abroad. We feel it's an important endeavor and we want to be a part of it."

In addition to research and innovative products, Vi-COR also emphasizes education. Milk to the Max® is the company's free bilingual education program for customers. The program has been especially beneficial to dairy producers with somatic cell count issues.